Happy World Oceans Month! Yes, it’s totally a thing and since 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by ocean it’s probably deserved. June coincides with hotter weather and the end of the school year making it the perfect month to honor our beautiful oceans by taking a trip to visit one. Spending time with friends and family at the beach can be a beautiful thing, but it can also be hot, stressful, and potentially dangerous if you’re not prepared. So here are The Mothership tips for taking baby to the beach.
BYOS (Bring Your Own Shade)
Most beaches are not known for their shade, but shade will be important for baby to stay cool and avoid excessive sun exposure. Beach tents or beach umbrellas are a must.
Plan to take breaks
Enjoy the beach, but limit the time you are on the beach during the hottest times of the day, noon to 3pm. The beach is beautiful, and quieter, in the morning and early evening hours. Use the time in the middle of the day to take naps and explore the neighboring towns. Of course, you’ll have to work with baby’s sleep routine to find what works best for your family, but it’s vacation so everyone, including most babies, can be a little flexible.
Take only what you need
Carrying a baby around the beach is workout enough without also carrying an extreme amount of stuff. Take what you would normally pack in your diaper bag for a day out and add beach staples like sunscreen, towels, and sun hat. Then focus on important things like plenty of water and snacks. Pack a minimal amount of toys: shovel, bucket, and a cup or two.
Bring a Kiddie Pool
This can be particularly helpful if you have a baby under 18 months who might be intimidated by the ocean. It might also create more opportunity for you to relax. It’s one more thing to carry, but an inflatable pool is light and easy to pack and gives baby a fun, safe place to enjoy the water.
Skip the Baby Powder
Have you heard the benefits of using baby powder to remove stubborn sand from skin? It's true that it works, but talc isn't safe to use on baby so you can look for a talc-free baby powder like Burt's Bees or make your own, but, personally, I'd just skip it.
Cover Up!
Babies sensitive skin can burn quickly so opt for a practical sun suit with UV protection over a traditional bathing suit.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself! And when baby eats a fistful of sand snap a cute pic and relish in the memories you’re making.
BYOS (Bring Your Own Shade)
Most beaches are not known for their shade, but shade will be important for baby to stay cool and avoid excessive sun exposure. Beach tents or beach umbrellas are a must.
Plan to take breaks
Enjoy the beach, but limit the time you are on the beach during the hottest times of the day, noon to 3pm. The beach is beautiful, and quieter, in the morning and early evening hours. Use the time in the middle of the day to take naps and explore the neighboring towns. Of course, you’ll have to work with baby’s sleep routine to find what works best for your family, but it’s vacation so everyone, including most babies, can be a little flexible.
Take only what you need
Carrying a baby around the beach is workout enough without also carrying an extreme amount of stuff. Take what you would normally pack in your diaper bag for a day out and add beach staples like sunscreen, towels, and sun hat. Then focus on important things like plenty of water and snacks. Pack a minimal amount of toys: shovel, bucket, and a cup or two.
Bring a Kiddie Pool
This can be particularly helpful if you have a baby under 18 months who might be intimidated by the ocean. It might also create more opportunity for you to relax. It’s one more thing to carry, but an inflatable pool is light and easy to pack and gives baby a fun, safe place to enjoy the water.
Skip the Baby Powder
Have you heard the benefits of using baby powder to remove stubborn sand from skin? It's true that it works, but talc isn't safe to use on baby so you can look for a talc-free baby powder like Burt's Bees or make your own, but, personally, I'd just skip it.
Cover Up!
Babies sensitive skin can burn quickly so opt for a practical sun suit with UV protection over a traditional bathing suit.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself! And when baby eats a fistful of sand snap a cute pic and relish in the memories you’re making.